The publication is reproduced in full below:
RECOGNIZING SPECIALIST MATT FOSTER, RECIPIENT OF TEXAS' THIRD CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 2021 CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN COMMENDATION
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HON. VAN TAYLOR
of texas
in the house of representatives
Thursday, October 28, 2021
Mr. TAYLOR. Madam Speaker, today, it is my privilege to honor fifteen distinguished military veterans from Texas' Third Congressional District who answered the call to serve their Nation honorably, both in uniform and following their return to civilian life. The recipients of the 2021 Congressional Veteran Commendation exemplify the time-honored qualities of patriotism, service before self, and bold leadership. Following their time in service, their efforts in our community have earned these fine individuals recognition as the recipients of this prestigious commendation: Their stories of sacrifice will encourage future generations to pursue a life dedicated to the very values we cherish as Americans: faith, freedom, and democracy. One such hero is Specialist Matt Foster of Allen, Texas.
Born into a military family, Matt Foster, moved around his first five years of life prior to settling down in New Braunfels, Texas. Like many Americans, Matt answered the call to serve our nation following the horrific attacks of 9/11. Upon graduation from high school, Matt enlisted in the United States Army leading to his deployment to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Foster served as a squad leader in the 101st Airborne Division, leading team members in over 180 missions and combat patrols.
Among Specialist Foster's awards are the Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Overseas Service Ribbon.
Following his honorable discharge from the Army, Specialist Foster earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Public Administration from the University of Texas at Arlington, where he was later recognized as a Distinguished Alumni of the Year. Public policy and government are passion points for Foster, and he uses his experiences to serve in the role of Regional Director of Legislative and External Affairs for A&T.
Matt has chosen to give back to his community in a multitude of ways including through his work as the Past Chairman of the DFW USO Advisory Board, as Vice Chairman of the Texas Veterans Commission Fund for Veteran Assistance Advisory Board, Past Public Information Officer of Team Rubicon-DFW, Co-Chairman of the North Texas Crime Commission Legislative Committee, Director of the Collin College Foundation, the YMCA Board of Directors in Plano, and as Past Chairman of the Plano Young Professionals. In addition to his many civic activities, Matt serves as the Director of Communications for the Warrior's Keep, a non-
profit organization geared towards enhancing the quality of life for veterans through the use of outdoor therapy as they reintegrate back to civilian life.
Matt and his wife, Vanessa, are raising their young son, Jackson, in Allen, Texas. For his many efforts to support our defenders of freedom, Specialist Foster has earned the respect and admiration of our community as he now works to mentor a new generation of military leaders.
Today a grateful Nation thanks Specialist Foster for his exceptional service and congratulates him on this recognition. May his steadfast example of leadership inspire others to live a life of service to a cause greater than themselves. It is my extreme honor to award him the 2021 Congressional Veteran Commendation for the Third District of Texas.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 190
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